RSVP / ORANGE COUNTY

Lauding the Johnsons: Performing arts supporters Roger and Janice Johnson were honored by the Volunteer Center of Orange County last week when they received its coveted Giving is Living Award.

Hundreds of guests squeezed into the Hyatt Regency Irvine to honor the couple. Roger Johnson is on the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s board of directors. His wife is chairwoman of the Guilds of the Performing Arts Center.

Developer Kathryn Thompson, attending with husband Gus Owen, presented the award to the couple whose names have become synonymous with the local performing arts scene.

Janice Johnson thanked the crowd for their gift of friendship. “Many of the people in this room have done as much, perhaps even more,” she said. “Most of the friendships I have were made doing volunteer work. Those people are as much a part of my life as volunteering is.”

Roger Johnson told guests that the arts were headed for challenging times. He said he hoped people would continue to give. When giving is difficult, “that’s when it’s needed most.”

On the scene: Center chairman William Lyon with his wife, Willa Dean; Janice’s mother, Barbara Rowlands; her brother, Rick Rowlands; and the Johnsons’ children--Mary Cantor with her husband, Michael, and Eric Johnson with his wife, Gloria.